What is Kickboxing?

Kickboxing first appeared in the United States of America in the mid 1970's. It was created due to the frustration of many top ranking traditional martial arts competitors from martial arts such as Karate, who were looking to perform more full contact competitions but were restricted in doing so. During the initial stages of development it soon became clear that more protection and better safety rules were required due to the heavier levels of contact. Therefore various sets of body pads were introduced along with specific rules for sparring. This makes kickboxing one of the safer martial arts to practice, even with the generally higher levels of contact.

Freestyle kickboxing is generally recognised as being mainly derived from Karate, Western Boxing and Muay Thai, with input from several other martial arts as well. Historically there were two different styles, with one developed in Japan and the other being the American developed version. The two styles have gradually moved closer and closer together to develop into the style practiced today in Europe.

The kickboxing taught at Don Deedigan's Schools is the same as that taught at many other Kickboxing classes and other Kickboxing groups. Therefore whilst some of the techniques seem to have roots in Tae Kwon Do, there are others taken from many other areas. In addition, the syllabus taught was produced with the assistance of the World Kickboxing Association that will satisfy students who train for a variety of reasons, including those that want to compete.

Why practice Kickboxing?

There are several reasons that a person may want to practice Kickboxing, and some of those are given here.

Improve flexibility and fitness - Kickboxing classes consist of a variety of workouts aimed at improving fitness. These include pad drills, fitness, sparring and self defence. There is also a grading system, so if you wish to progress through the grades, the instructor will help you to achieve your dreams.

Increase self confidence - Many students comment not only on how much fitter and healthier they feel, but how much more confident they feel. This is because the lessons work not only on the fitness aspects, but also include self defence parts, both physical and mental (such as environment awareness). Both of these can combine to boost a students self confidence in no time.

Learn simple and effective self defence - Self defence taught in the class is designed to work in a complete and practical manner. Many techniques are taught, all of which are simple, but only some of which will appeal to a particular student. Although all are practiced, the student can apply those they feel most comfortable with and can most easily implement. However, as in all areas of self defence, it is hoped that practical application is never needed.

Excellent stress relief - Come to the class, and hit the pads. There is no better way to work out "one of those days at the office".

Safe and friendly classes - All of the instructors are committed to teaching in a safe and friendly environment. All are trained and insured, and all are police checked for working with children. In addition, all areas of contact are controlled, and in any fitness exercise we would never expect a student to do something that they are either unable or uncomfortable doing.

All ages and levels welcome - Whatever age and fitness level you are currently at, you can fit into a class. The classes cater for those that want to grade and compete, and those that just want to come and get fit. Class sizes do vary from school to school, but all the students in each support each other. And you can be sure of one thing - we all suffered that moment of trepidation when we walked in the school door for the first time.

 

Details of class times are shown on the "Find a school" page listed above, so feel free to contact Mr Deedigan and arrange to come along to any of those classes.